James H. Schutte
Family
Lamiaceae
Botanical Name
Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue'
Plant Common Name
Black and Blue Sage, Blue Anise Sage, Brazilian Sage
General Description
Black and blue sage is a perennial subshrub that originates from South America. It has an upright, bushy habit and medium green, slightly hairy leaves. In summer, it puts forth tall flower stalks lined with large, purple two-lipped flowers subtended by a nearly black calyx. These will continue blooming freely into fall. Its flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators, especially hummingbirds. This salvia is heat tolerant and thrives in sites with full sun and well drained, fertile sandy loam. It makes a great addition to and large perennial border or container plantings. In colder zones, blue anise sage may be grown as a tender perennial.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 10
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Sunset Zone
8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
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Width
2"-3" / 5.1cm - 7.6cm
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Bloom Time
Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall
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Native To
South America
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Purple, Black
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No
